Hey hey hey! Here's Chapter eleven! We're almost to the end of the story! There's one more chapter and it'll be finished! :P Aww... (to make up for it, it's rather long!)
And you will notice that Garrett and Graham will revert back to their given names.
Graham* (who's really Garrett)= Goes back to Graham
Garrett* (who's really Graham)= Goes back to Garrett.
Chapter Eleven-Reunion
With the next transmission and a few illegal apparitions later, eight visitors snuck into Hogwarts for a long-awaited discussion.
"...So, there ya have it. Every last detail o' our lil' ruse." Garrett sighed after he relayed his side of their tale.
"You have managed to pull this trick off for nearly two months, nobody else noticed a thing. I gotta hand it to you both, you have officially one-upped the Twins. You've taken the art of switching places to a whole new level." Percy laughed, congratulating them.
Percy never thought he'd see the day Fred and George would have competition. He could always tell when those two would assume each other's identities... it took him over a month to detect Montague. There's nothing wrong with giving credit when it's due.
"Damn...we have twins in Salem, but they never did anything like this." Jason snickered, looking in between Garrett and Graham, whom had yet to revert to their normal appearances.
Garrett asked Camden sheepishly. "You ain't too mad at me, are ya?"
He smiled. "I guess not. I can't be angry with you over something that was out of your control. You had your curiosity and went for it. I would've done the same thing. At least I know why your twin didn't sleep with me."
Graham only shrugged in response.
"I still can't get over that accent of yours, Garrett. Honestly, it's kinda difficult to follow. What is it called, anyway?" Flint voiced, watching the twin.
"Cajun. Ya get used to it. It's worse when yo' drunk..trust me.''
Colin queried "So, Graham, do you speak Cajun French along with Garrett?"
"Yeah, once you understand the syntax and basic rules, it's quite easy. You have to be willing to bend from strict instruction." he moved some of his longer hair behind his ear.
"You guys happen to figure out how you'll separate before your parents find out?" Justin asked curiously. A knock sounded on the door of their empty classroom.
''Maybe if we whisper an' don't move, they'll go away...'' Eddie whispered.
A note slid under the door. Percy picked it up. The most random phrase was written in slashing script.
" '-The house elves made more blueberry scones.-' "
Garrett snorted. ''I know who dat is. We might as well open da door." With a flick of the wand, the heavy door opened to show a smiling Albus Dumbledore.
"Evening, boys. I see you've finally hammered things out. Eight, well technically, seven of you are far from home and I suspect your means of transportation were not provided by a legal guardian." The teens started babbling all at once, trying to deliver some sort of explanation until Albus held up his hand. "You all can provide your side momentarily. Your headmistress is already in my office waiting for you." They groaned in exasperation.
"Goddamn it, man.." Tony grumbled. The last thing he needed was a potential Howler from his mom screaming at him in Italian.
"If you nine would please.." he beckoned the twins and the Salem students who grudgingly followed in tow.
Graham whispered to Garrett. "Why both of us?"
"I think it's 'cause you were me under false pretenses.''
Upon entering the Headmaster's office, they saw a silver-haired Native woman eyeing them from a leather armchair. ''Hello boys. I would have been sound asleep by now if my brother didn't alert me to 'chickens flying the coop.' "
'Damn it.' Garrett and Graham simultaneously thought.
She continued. "You're quite lucky you've gotten away with this as long as you have. My brother didn't report it earlier because you...'' the headmistress locked eyes with Graham "...meant no harm. It's understandable considering the circumstances. You're not in trouble. Neither are your friends, which is why I'm letting you slide. However, some of you will be coming back with me tonight but first, I need you seven to sit outside...we have another meeting to address first." They wanted to protest but seeing she was beyond merciful...they obeyed. With a chorused "Yes, Headmistress Red Arrow." the Americans vacated the office.
Dumbledore sat down behind his desk. "Now I believe you two are wondering what other meeting we're having, yes?"
The twins nodded.
"Well, by law I had to take this course of action..-" His office door swung open, revealing four adults who eyed each other strangely. Minerva McGonagall ushered them in.
A tanned man wearing blue jeans and a grey shirt grunted "What da hell are we doin' all da way in Scotland? Where is mah boy?!" Both twins ducked down as far as they could into their high backed chairs.
"Oh god!" Garrett hissed frantically.
"Lord and Lady Montague, Mr. and Mrs. Chevalier. I'm pleased you made it. There is a matter concerning your families we need to discuss."
"Dumbledore, this better be of great importance if it called for us apparating in the middle of the night!"
"Michael, dear. It's concerning our son. Of course, it's important."
"Headmistress Red Arrow, why are you here?" Josephine Chevalier queried. She nodded in the direction of two ebony-haired boys desperately avoiding to look behind them. "Raven, what did you...oh mah Lord..." her jaw dropped.
"Darlin', what's da ma-" he stopped.
Lord Montague stood behind the twins. "Stand up and turn around." he ordered. With the utmost apprehension, they slowly risen from their seats and looked the adults in the eyes.
The sounds of breathing and beating hearts were the only noises taking place. Even the cliched 'one could hear a pin drop' held no comparison.
"Boys, I think it's time to undo your appearance charms." Albus suggested, calmly gazing at the stupefied parents. Both withdrew their wands, ending the charms. In front of the Chevaliers, Graham's hair became shorter while on the left next to the Montagues, Garrett's became longer. They still remained in their opposite uniforms, though.
Lady Montague whispered, her blue eyes welling with tears. "Oh Merlin...you're alive."
Dumbledore supplied to Mr. and Mrs. Chevalier "By American records, he is Raven Lee Chevalier but by those in Wizarding Britain, his full name is Garrett Sergei Montague. Because of an unfortunate incident, he came into your possession in November of 1997."
" 'Unfortunate incident'? The word is kidnapping, Albus! Don't sugarcoat it!'' Michael Montague grit out.
Robert Chevalier shook his head. "Aw, damn...I need to sit down." he slid into an open chair, rubbing his face in a mix of astonishment and heartbreak. "All dis time...ya'll two were pretendin' to be da other?'' he questioned, gazing up at them wearily.
Graham responded. "Yes. Garrett and I met at the fencing tournament this summer...we talked, got to know each other and devised this entire scheme just to know what the other's life was like. Garrett wanted a chance to meet our parents, I couldn't deny him that. We didn't mean to hurt anyone or to have this get out of hand."
"It all makes sense. Why you had difficulty eatin' dat spicy shrimp jambalaya I made, why Killer wouldn't approach you fo' two days an' why Leland stared at you dat day durin' dinner. I knew yo' brother was keepin' somethin' from me." Josephine thoughtfully pointed out.
"For the rest of summer holiday, Garrett, you were staying with us. How could I not have seen this?" Anastasia wiped a tear running down her cheek.
Garrett answered "You weren't supposed to. Da plan was dat we'd switch fo' a few months...maybe a year at da most if things went smoothly an' we'd go back to our lives. Sadly, we got found ou' by a couple o' crafty wizards an' it all went to shit from there. We didn' wanna reveal anythin' cuz o' what's happenin' righ' now. I don' want to be taken from them just 'cause I met ya...an'...then again...I don' wanna leave Graham either!'' he plopped back down in frustration.
Josephine knelt down in front of the discontented twin, taking his face into her small hands. ''Raven...I mean..Garrett, darlin'..listen to me. Almost sixteen years ago, we brought back dis lonely lil' baby, raised 'im as ou' own child. We fed 'im, clothed 'im, an' loved 'im even after his siblings were born...an' we still do. Da fact you found yo' real family will never change dat. We don' wanna give you up either but Robert an' I cannot ignore you were stolen from da Montagues. It would be right selfish o' you to forsake a chance to really know yo' parents only to stay with us. People come an' go in an' out of ou' lives fo' a reason, honey...you know dis. Please understand dis ain't easy fo' either one o' us. We will hurt, there's no doubt 'bout dat but you can imagine only how long dey have been hurtin' without ya. As a mom, I can't even begin to think how bad it would hurt to have mah son taken against mah will. You were taken from dem once...dey don' need it to happen again." she finished, kissing him on his forehead.
Garrett silently wiped a tear from his face, his twin walked over and put his arm around him.
Robert had his chance to speak. "Son, as much as I really hate to say dis...but yo' Mom is righ'. I don' want you to leave but dey need you. We don' love ya any less an' our home is still yo' home. Don' you ever fo'get dat. An' Graham.." he turned to the twin ''...I thought you were him da entire time and since ya'll two become so close, I can't leave you ou'. If Garrett ever wants to come visit, you can come too. Yo' decision.''
Lord Montague stared at their exchange. He had so many conflicting emotions running through him at once-still furious about Garrett's abduction (what parent wouldn't be?), happy that he was alive and not deceased like those idiot aurors declared, and saddened that Garrett didn't want to come home immediately. Michael was also a tiny bit ticked due to being lied to..but he decided to let that go. As an elite Pureblood wizard, like many in his circle, he was raised away from muggles since they were considered lesser individuals.
But upon seeing these two, presumably from a rural community,...took his son, raised him in their home and kept him safe. He had to admit 'I guess not all muggles are unfortunate people. Some would have just left Garrett to die. They've given him a good life thus far, something I never had the chance to do. I don't know how I could ever repay that.'
Garrett looked up from his lap, gazing at everyone. "I guess it wouldn't hurt. I mean...I can't stay away from mah other half."
Graham grinned widely. "Y-You mean it? You want to come home with us?"
"Yeah...I guess I do." Lord and Lady Montague brightened tremendously at that. Their baby was finally coming home.
Dumbledore smiled, as did Red Arrow before she spoke up "Of course, there are legal proceedings we need to address first. Due to Garrett being legally adopted as Raven Chevalier but illegally removed from Britain, this matter won't be solved overnight. It takes a few months to go through paperwork between countries."
"Isn't there any way he could stay here until everything is sorted?" Lady Montague queried hopefully.
"Hm...I don't think that would be an issue given this predicament and from what I know...it doesn't happen often. I'll contact the Ministry back in the States since we apparently have half-jurisdiction over this. Also, Garrett's grades shouldn't have to suffer from bouncing across the globe, so it would be in his best interest to stay at Hogwarts for the remainder of his sixth year. I believe by the end of the spring term, he'll be within your rightful custody."
Anastasia gripped Michael's hand in excitement.
"All right! Our first Christmas together!" Graham grinned, clapping Garrett on the back.
He laughed but suddenly remembered something. "Wait...what 'bout Christmas in Bellerose? Can't I visit? I never missed one with ya'll."
Josephine replied "Don' be silly, o' course ya can..we'll think o' somethin'.''
"Ok...aw crap...what da hell are we gonna tell Leland, Daniel, Candace an' mah friends?''
"We'll handle dem."
Dumbledore flicked the door open with his wand, allowing seven boys to fall through. ''I believe they already know.''
They smiled, scrambling to get up after their blatant eavesdropping.
"So, you really are leaving us?" Camden asked his best friend.
Garrett nodded. "Yeah. I'll still write ya all da time an' I can see all o' ya'll o'er da summer. It's not like I'm gone forever."
"We know. You've been with us since first year and every time in between. We'll miss you to death but we can live without you being in Salem. It'll take some adjusting, although we'll manage. It's too bad we can't throw you a going-away party and your birthday isn't for another two weeks."
Albus interjected. "I am sure I can work out something for them. No one wants to have a birthday spoiled."
"This reunion was sweet and our meeting ended on a good note, however, I am exhausted and I would like to get some sleep..as for the rest of you boys. Thank you again Albus for your help. Boys, say your goodbyes and let's go." Red Arrow announced, pulling on her robes. With several hugs and meaningful farewells, the Americans apparated back to Salem Academy.
"Garrett, how're you feeling?" Graham asked his double, whose onyx eyes appeared misty.
"I'll be all righ'...gimme me a bit.''
Lady Montague approached them, her own eyes still wet. There seems to be a lot of that right now.
Without warning, she drew them into a suffocating hug, both fighting for air...mostly Graham. Pulling back, Graham took in a few deep breaths while Garrett laughed.
Getting a glare, he replied "Hey, I learned how to hold mah breath-mmph!" Josephine bear-hugged him, his face trapped in her large chest. Graham uncharacteristicaly stuck his tongue out, snickering. The men shook their heads mirthfully.
"Now Garrett, you be good fo' yo' Mom an' Dad...ya hear?"
"Yeah, Mom."
"Good. An' write soon so I can mail copies o' yo' baby pictures.''
He flushed. "Aw naw...come on...really?"
"I want to see them." Anastasia pouted, attempting to instill guilt in her son. It worked, especially when Michael said "Please, just humor your mother."
"Fine...as long as I see his." he gave his twin a cheeky grin...who narrowed his eyes and sneered.
Their father was inwardly fidgeting with anticipation about seeing pictures of Garrett, although he kept his calm façade.
"Well, Garrett...yo' Mom an' I need to get back home. We'll see ya soon."
"Bye, baby.." they both hugged and kissed him goodbye and left the office where McGonagall escorted them back to Bellerose. Dumbledore and the Montagues remained.
Anastasia nearly squealed with joy. "I can't wait to take you home! We'll go shopping, get your own set of Quidditch gear, a new wardrobe...everything! I can't decide which to do first...there's so much I want to do!"
Laying a hand on his wife's shoulder, Michael sighed. "Dear, we have plenty of time for shopping. It's been a long day. We need to head back to the manor."
"How can I possibly sleep after this?"
"Oh, after a few drinks...you will."
"Oh, Michael...hmph! Fine.." she faced her sons once more. "Goodnight, boys. I'll see you for Christmas." Anastasia kissed the twins and headed out the door. Lord Montague stepped over to Dumbledore.
In a low voice, he asked. "There's no chance that...garish...accent will fade is there?"
The elder wizard chuckled. ''Garrett has grown up around that tone and dialect his entire life. Unless you plan on charming his vocal chords daily, that Cajun accent is permanent."
"Ah...all right." It seems as though he's going to have to live with his son's foreign accent.
Before Michael could leave, he grabbed Garrett and held him close. Memories of Garrett's birth flashed quickly before his eyes. He never had a chance to hold this twin as a squirming infant...until now. Letting him go, he took one last look at both Montagues standing next to one another before he left the building.
"I think you boys should head to bed. Garrett, Professor Snape is waiting for you right outside in the hall. He will escort you to your private room until your Sorting on Monday. Your Hogwarts uniforms, robes and other necessities have already been purchased and are present in your room."
"Uh...thanks, Headmaster." they bid Albus goodnight and left the office. Severus was waiting at the corner as promised. On the way to the dungeons, Garrett and Graham playfully bantered amongst themselves.
"I bet you five galleons Dad will cry once he gets home."
"How are you so sure o' dat?"
"Trust me, he will."
Isn't that sweet? They're gonna be one big happy family again. XD Your thoughts? :P
Random author's note: Graham and Garrett's mom, Anastasia...I'm giving her the appearance of a younger (late 30s) Julianna Margulies. (She's an actress, to some who may not know.)